EP3486520A1 - Pneumatic assembly for a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an air suspension system for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one component (11) which is fixed to a connection component (14) by means of a connecting element (10) to form a plug connection, wherein the plug connection is a releasable latching connection (13).

Description

The invention relates to an air suspension system for a motor vehicle according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

From the DE 10 2006 005 471 A1 is a decentralized level suspension system for power and rail vehicles known. This level suspension system includes an air spring with a valve sensor unit, electronics, a main valve, a compressed air reservoir, compressed air lines, electrical lines and silencers. The valve sensor unit is releasably connected via a hollow screw with the air spring.

Connecting elements are used, for example, to connect a line, in particular a media-carrying line, to a connection component. For example, such fasteners are used to attach pneumatic or hydraulic lines to connection components in the form of cover elements of air or hydraulic spring and / or damper elements. In this case, for example, screw flanges are used, which are screwed into a corresponding threaded opening of the connection component or cover of the air or hydraulic spring and / or damper element. The screw is connected at the other end to the end of the associated line.

Since such structures are relatively complex and installation-intensive, it is from the DE 60 2005 004 510 T2 It is already known to provide a connection element for insertion in an opening of a connection component, which element has a fixing element arranged in a receiving groove and acted upon by the spring force of a sealing ring in the form of a claw element, by means of which the connecting element is fixed within the opening of the connection component. For this purpose, respective gripping edges of the claw element hook on the associated inner peripheral wall or boundary wall of the opening of the connection component. However, due in particular to the configuration of the groove with a diameter increasing toward the inside of the connection component, the problem arises that the connection element there-for example in the event of damage-can be dismantled extremely badly. In addition, the connecting element is designed overall relatively complicated.

Object of the present invention is therefore to provide an air spring system for a motor vehicle of the type mentioned, by means of which an improved disassembly of a component of a connection component can be realized and by means of which a simpler and more cost-effective construction of the air spring system can be realized.

This object is achieved by an air spring system with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments with expedient developments of the invention are specified in the respective dependent claims and in the following description.

The invention relates to an air suspension system for a motor vehicle with at least one component which is fixed to a connection component by means of a connecting element to form a connector. In other words, the component is connected via the plug connection with the connection component, wherein the connection element is plugged into an opening of the component and / or into an opening of the connection component for forming the plug connection. The connection component may in particular be an air spring or a frame part or shell component of the motor vehicle or a holder on a shell component or an air conditioner of the air suspension system. The air suspension system is used in particular a vehicle suspension of the motor vehicle, which is in particular a motor vehicle. In particular, the motor vehicle is a truck or a bus. To a particularly advantageous disassembly of the device from the connection component to allow it is inventively provided that the connector is a releasable latching connection. This means that when mounting the component is applied to the terminal component and is connected thereto via the connecting element, wherein the connecting element with or in the opening of the component and / or the opening of the connection component locked. This latching connection can be detached from the connection component for dismantling the component. The connecting element is thus a latching element which is latched into at least one of the openings or latched with at least one of the openings by engaging behind the respective opening. Under the releasable latching connection is to be understood that for separating the component from the connection component, the connecting element can be separated from the openings by unlocking. The connection of the component to the connection component via the latching connection thus enables the component to be attached to the connection component particularly quickly and easily. In addition, the releasable latching connection allows the component to be separated from the connection component particularly easily in order to dismantle the component from the connection component. The releasable latching connection allows a particularly simple and quick mounting of the component to the connection component and also allows a particularly simple disassembly of the component from the connection component. The releasable latching connection thus makes it possible for the component connected via the releasable latching connection to the connection component to be exchanged particularly easily.

In one development of the invention, it has proven to be advantageous if the connecting element is formed integrally with the component. This means that the connecting element is formed integrally with the component, and thus is part of the component. In this case, the connecting element may be part of a housing of the component and for this purpose formed during the manufacture of the housing of the component. In this case, the connecting element can be formed during casting of the housing of the component. Alternatively or additionally, the connecting element can be formed by injection molding and / or welding and / or gluing to the component. The connecting element formed on the component was, in particular, the latching element, which is designed, for example, as a plug element. Is the connecting element in one piece formed with the component, the connecting element is inserted for producing the latching connection in the opening of the connection component and locked with this opening or in this opening. For connecting the component to the connection component, therefore, only the connection element formed integrally with the component is to be positioned relative to the opening of the connection component and inserted into the opening of the connection component. As a result, the component is particularly easy to fix the connection component.

In an alternative advantageous embodiment of the invention it is provided that the connecting element is formed separately from the component. In this case, the connecting element can be formed both separately from the component and separately from the connecting component. Alternatively, the connection element is formed separately from the component and integrally or integrally with the connection component. If the connection element is formed integrally with the connection component, then the connection element for producing the latching connection is inserted into the opening of the component and locked with this opening or in this opening. The connecting element is, for example, molded onto the connection component and / or welded and / or adhesively bonded. For example, the connecting element with a housing of the connection component, in particular the air spring, be materially connected. If the connection element is formed both separately from the component and separately from the connection component, the connection element is at least inserted into the opening of the component as well as into the opening of the connection component, in particular through at least one of the openings. In one of the openings or with one of the openings, the connecting element locks to form the latching connection. In addition, an axial fixing is provided, by means of which the connecting element along its central axis relative to the component and relative to the connection component in forming the latching connection can be fixed. This means that the connecting element is latched to the component and fixed axially via the connection component or the connection element is latched to the connection component and axially fixed via the component. The axial fixing is understood to mean that movement of the connecting element relative to the component and / or the connection component along a central axis of at least one of the openings is prevented. The connecting element may, for example, have a thread, via which the connecting element can be fixed axially by being screwed into the component or into the connecting component. Alternatively or additionally, the connecting element may have a lateral collar, which projects radially away from the connecting element and which is supported for axial fixing in forming the latching connection against the component or against the connecting component. In this case, the collar of the connecting element can engage behind one of the respective openings of the component or of the connection component, whereby the connecting element engages with the respective other opening. The connecting element is thus axially fixable relative to the latching connection in each of the embodiments. Either the connection element is fixed axially by being integrally formed with the component or the connection component, or the connection element has the axial fixing, via which the connection element can be axially fixed relative to the component and / or the connection component. This allows a particularly accurate position-fixed fixation of the component to the connection component.

It has been shown in a further embodiment of the invention to be advantageous if the component is designed as a line, in particular for a fluid such as air, or as a valve unit and / or sensor unit. This means that the component is the conduit for guiding the fluid or the valve and / or sensor unit. The line may be a pneumatic line for guiding compressed air, wherein compressed air for the air spring can be provided via the pneumatic line and / or compressed air can be removed from the air spring. The valve unit or the valve and sensor unit may comprise a switching valve which is, for example, pneumatically and / or hydraulically and / or electromagnetically and / or electrically switchable. The valve and sensor unit or the sensor unit may have a distance sensor, by means of which an operating state of the air spring over a distance between the valve and sensor unit or the sensor unit and one of the valve and sensor unit or the sensor unit facing away from the bottom of the air spring can be determined. The operating state of the air spring describes how far the air spring is inflated. About the locking connection is thus the line or the valve and / or Sensor unit particularly simple and fast attachable to the connection component or the air spring.

In a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that the latching connection is non-destructive solvable. This means that when releasing the locking connection neither the component nor the connection component nor the connecting element is destroyed. Here, for example, for attaching the component to the connection component, the connecting element can be inserted through one of the openings, wherein the connecting element has a fixing element, which engages behind the opening through which the connecting element is inserted, and which is accessible from outside for a tool. The fixing element may be, for example, a locking ring or a locking lug. For example, the locking connection is formed on the locking ring of the connecting element by the locking ring engages behind one of the openings. In this case, the retaining ring engages behind the opening to the outside, so that the securing ring engages behind the opening on a side of the opening facing away from the contact component of the component with the connection component. Thus, the locking ring is externally applied to the opening, so that the locking ring for a tool for removing the locking ring from the outside and thus is particularly advantageous accessible. By removing the securing ring, the latching connection can be released and the connecting element can be detached from the component and / or the connection component. If the fixing element is the latching lug, the latching lug is arranged in such a way that it is accessible to an externally acting tool when the locking connection is formed, wherein the latching of the latching lug for releasing the latching connection is released by means of the tool. The non-destructive releasability of the latching connection is advantageously particularly sustainable, since both the component and the connection component and the connecting element can be used multiple times.

To an air spring system with the connecting element, which is designed for fastening in an opening of the connection component, and a plug member which can be inserted into the opening and which has a receiving groove in which a fixing element for fixing the plug member is arranged in the opening to create a total of a simple structure and can be removed in an improved manner from the connection component, it is provided that the plug element in the region of the receiving groove for the fixing element has a separation point at which a second part of the plug element is separable from the first part. Such a separation point may be formed, for example and in particular as a predetermined breaking point, in which, for example, by one or more webs a targeted weakening is provided within the plug member so that, for example, during disassembly the plug member can be separated in this area in the first and the second part. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable, for example, already preferred to separate parts of the plug element and, for example via a suitable Fügverbindung, for example, an adhesive connection, or via a mechanical connection, such as a threaded connection to connect with each other, the parts of the plug element at this separation point, for example can be divided according to each other for disassembly. The latching connection formed between the component and the connection component via the connection element, in particular the plug element of the connection element, can only be released by destroying the connection element, in particular by separating the plug element. For example, the two parts of the plug member are separated by torsion and thus by rotating the parts about a common axis of rotation in opposite directions from each other. The axis of rotation in this case coincides in particular with a central axis of the plug element.

The separation point is preferably and in particular provided in the region of the receiving groove for the fixing, so that, for example, during disassembly, first the first part of the plug member can be separated from the second part of the plug member, after which the fixing is preferably freely accessible so that this in a simple Manner dismantled or can be removed from the opening of the connection component. Following this, the second part of the plug element positioned on the inside of the fixing element can then be removed and, for example, a new connecting element can be inserted. In this case, the fixing element is then optionally reusable even with a new plug element.

Since the fixing element is arranged in the region of the receiving groove and thus preferably between the two parts of the plug element, this can be relatively easily designed and positioned in a simple manner on or in the receiving groove, resulting in a simple and defined positioning of the fixing, which a ensures a simple construction of the connecting element. This also results in a relatively inexpensive installation of the connecting element as a whole.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it has proven to be advantageous if the separation point is formed as a predetermined breaking point between the two parts of the plug member. Such a separation point is particularly easy to represent, in particular if the plug element is made of a plastic.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that a second of the parts of the plug element has a definition, by means of which the second part relative to the component and / or the connection component is positively fixed radially and / or positively. The radial fixing is to be understood as meaning that a rotation of the second part of the plug element about its central axis relative to the component and / or the connection component is prevented. Furthermore, it is provided that the first part has a tool attack, on which a tool for separating the two parts of the plug element can be attached. This means that the second of the parts is fixed via the fixing radially relative to the connection component and / or the component. In order to release the locking connection, the tool is applied to the tool attack and rotated by means of the tool, the second part relative to the first part about the axis of rotation to separate the first part of the second part. The determination of the second part allows only by a single tool, the first part can be separated from the second part. Thus, the first part of the first part is particularly easy to separate, since only one tool for rotating the two parts relative to each other is needed.

In this context, it has proved to be particularly advantageous if the fixing comprises an adhesive, by means of which the fixing of the second part is bonded to the component and / or with the connection component. For example, the connection element is formed separately from the component and separately from the connection component and inserted at least through one of the corresponding openings of the component and the connection component and at least inserted into the other of the openings. In the opening into which the connecting element is inserted, the connecting element is locked with a wall bounding the opening. The first part of the plug element of the connecting element is accessible to the tool which can be applied to the connecting element from outside the openings, wherein the second part of the connecting element has the radial fixing. For fixing the second part of the plug element by means of adhesive, the adhesive is applied, for example, to the second part of the plug element and then the catch connection can be produced. By means of the adhesive fixing the second part is particularly simple and inexpensive to implement.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the second part as the radial fixing has a peripheral outer contour, which corresponds to a peripheral inner contour of a recess of the connection component. For example, the outer contour of the second part engages in the inner contour of the connection component during the formation of the latching connection. The corresponding contours allow a positive fixing of the second part relative to the connection component and / or to the component. The corresponding contour can in particular be a circumference having at least one corner. About the positive locking the second part is particularly secure manner to avoid loosening the fixation during rotation of the first part relative to the second part. The form-fitting fixing ensures that the second part is not rotated by the tool about the axis of rotation with the first part when the first part is rotated, but is fixed relative to the connection component and / or the component.

In an alternative or additional embodiment of the fixing, the second part can be pressed into the opening of the component and / or the connection component as a radial attachment. Thus, the definition is formed as a press-in, by means of which the second part is to be fixed relative to the connection component and / or the component.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that a respective tool attack is provided on both parts of the plug element, to which respective tools for separating the two parts of the plug element can be attached. For example, by opposing rotation of the two parts of the plug member by means of respective tools, which are attached to the corresponding tool attacks of the two parts of the plug element, thus the plug element can be divided in a simple manner and then removed from the opening.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the plug element has a standing out of the opening head on which the tool engagement of the first part of the plug member is provided. The head may preferably have a double function, namely on the one hand to determine the insertion depth of the plug element and on the other hand serve as a tool engagement for the first part of the plug member.

A further, advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the plug element has a passage opening, on which the tool engagement of the second part of the plug element is provided. The passage opening can be provided in particular for receiving a line or for further guidance of a medium, so that the function of the passage opening can be extended in a simple manner by a tool attack.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is also provided that the fixing element is formed as a claw element with a flat area, in particular a disc, and an obliquely extending collar portion having a free end for engagement of the claw member on a boundary wall of the opening. This example about cup-like design of the claw member on the one hand has the advantage of a favorable support by the flat area and on the other hand, the advantage of a favorable fixation or entanglement of the claw member with its free end to a corresponding boundary wall of the opening.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the receiving groove has a planar receptacle for the planar region of the claw element, which is separated by a web from the passage opening of the plug element. The planar recording allows a particularly favorable and positionally accurate arrangement of the claw element. The web between the planar receptacle and the through opening of the plug element preferably forms the predetermined breaking point between the first and the second part of the plug element, so that after dividing the two parts of the plug element, the claw element can be removed in a simple manner from the opening of the connection component.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the receiving groove above the planar receptacle on a receiving area for the inclined collar portion of the claw member, which is also supported by a disposed within the receiving area elastic support member to the outside. This elastic support element results in a particularly advantageous entanglement or connection of the claw element with the corresponding boundary wall of the opening. In addition, a positionally accurate and defined arrangement of the claw element within the receiving groove and thus results in its position relative to the plug element and the connection component.

The advantages mentioned above in connection with the connecting element according to the invention apply in the same way to a connection component with an opening for fastening a connecting element according to the invention and for a fastening arrangement of a connecting element according to the invention in an opening of a connection component.

The connection component is characterized in particular and advantageously also by the fact that in the boundary wall of the opening at least one receiving recess, in particular a circumferential groove, is introduced, on which the fixing can hook accordingly and support to form a rear grip.

Fig. 1

eine ausschnittweise Schnittansicht einer Befestigungsanordnung einer Luftfederanlage für ein Kraftfahrzeug, bei welcher ein Bauelement an einem Anschlussbauteil mittels eines Verbindungselements unter Ausbildung einer zerstörungsfrei lösbaren Rastverbindung verbunden ist, wobei das Verbindungselement an das Anschlussbauteil angespritzt ist und ein Stopfenelement aufweist, welches durch eine Öffnung des Bauelements hindurch gesteckt ist und mittels eines Fixierungselements die Öffnung des Bauelements zum Herstellen der Rastverbindung hingreift;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Schnittansicht der Befestigungsanordnung mit dem Verbindungselement welches in eine Öffnung des Anschlussbauteils über ein Gewinde eingeschraubt ist und durch die Öffnung des Bauelements hindurchgesteckt ist und mit dem Fixierungselement die Öffnung des Bauelements zum Ausbilden der Rastverbindung hintergreift;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Schnittansicht der Befestigungsanordnung mit dem Verbindungselement, welches an das Anschlussbauteil angeschweißt ist und durch die Öffnung des Bauelements hindurch gesteckt ist, wobei das Fixierungselement die Öffnung des Bauelements zum Ausbilden der Rastverbindung außenseitig hintergreift und zum Lösen der Rastverbindung für ein außenseitig anlegbares Werkzeug zugänglich ist;

Fig. 4

einen schematischen Teilschnitt der Befestigungsanordnung der lösbaren Rastverbindung, wobei das Stopfenelement einteilig mit dem Anschlussbauteil ausgebildet ist, die Öffnung des Bauelements durchdringt und der umfangsseitig geschlossene Sicherungsring die Öffnung des Bauelements an dessen dem Anschlussbauteil abgewandter Außenseite hintergreift, sowie eine Draufsicht auf das Verbindungselement;

Fig. 5

einen schematischen Teilschnitt der Befestigungsanordnung mit dem Verbindungselement, welches ein Rastelement aufweist, welches durch die Öffnung des Bauelements hindurch ragt und in eine Rastaufnahme in einer Öffnung des Anschlussbauteils zum Ausbilden der Rastverbindung eingreift;

Fig. 6

einen schematischen Teilschnitt der Befestigungsanordnung gemäß Fig. 5 wobei an dem Verbindungselement anliegend ein Werkzeug dargestellt ist, mittels welchem das Rastelement über eine schiefe Ebene des Werkzeugs verschwenkbar ist um aus der Rastaufnahme zum Lösen der Rastverbindung herausbewegt zu werden, wobei die Eingreiföffnung des Verbindungselements zum Eingreifen des Werkzeugs seitlich durch das Rastelement begrenzt wird;

Fig. 7

eine schematische Draufsicht auf das Verbindungselement mit drei jeweils in einem Winkel von 120 Grad relativ zueinander angeordneten Öffnungen des Verbindungselements in welche das Werkzeug zum Lösen der Rastverbindung eingreifen kann, wobei jeder der Öffnungen ein eine jeweilige Rastverbindung ausbildendes Rastelement zugeordnet ist;

Fig. 8

einen schematischen Teilschnitt der Befestigungsanordnung mit dem die Verbindung zwischen dem Bauelement und dem Anschlussbauteil bereitstellenden Verbindungselement, welches das Stopfenelement aufweist, welches wiederum eine Trennstelle zwischen einem ersten Teil und einem zweiten Teil des Stopfenelements aufweist, wobei an den Teilen jeweils ein Werkzeug zum Trennen des Stopfenelements an der Trennstelle anlegbar ist, wobei durch das Trennen des Stopfenelements in die beiden Teile ein Lösen der Rastverbindung ermöglicht wird;

Fig. 9

einen schematischen Teilschnitt der Befestigungsanordnung mit dem Verbindungselement, dessen zweiter Teil des Stopfenelements radial relativ zum Anschlussbauteil über einen Formschluss festgelegt ist und dessen erster Teil des Stopfenelements einen Werkzeugangriff aufweist, welcher von außen für ein Werkzeug zum Trennen des ersten Teils vom zweiten Teil zugänglich ist;

Fig. 10

einen schematischen Teilschnitt der Befestigungsanordnung mit dem Verbindungselement, welches einstückig mit dem Anschlussbauteil ausgebildet ist und zum Ausbilden der Rastverbindung in die Öffnung des Bauelements eingesteckt und in dieser Öffnung verrastet ist, wobei das Verbindungselement einen Mittelkanal aufweist, über welchen das Anschlussbauteil mit dem Bauelement fluidisch verbunden ist;

Fig. 11

eine ausschnittsweise Schnittansicht der Befestigungsanordnung des Verbindungselements in der Öffnung des Anschlussbauteils, wobei das Verbindungselement das Stopfenelement umfasst, welches in die Öffnung des Anschlussbauteils einsteckbar ist und welches eine Aufnahmenut aufweist, in welcher ein Fixierungselement in Form eines Krallenelements zur Fixierung des Stopfenelements in der Öffnung angeordnet ist, wobei das Stopfenelement im Bereich der Aufnahmenut für das Krallenelement eine Sollbruchstelle aufweist, an welcher der erste und der zweite Teil des Stopfenelements voneinander trennbar sind;

Fig. 12

eine ausschnittsweise Schnittansicht sowie eine vergrößerte Detailansicht auf die Öffnung innerhalb des Anschlussbauteils, in welche das Verbindungselement eingesetzt ist und an deren Begrenzungswand eine umlaufende Nut zur Aufnahme des freien Endes des Kragenbereichs des Krallenelements des Verbindungselements vorgesehen ist, sowie eine vergrößerte Darstellung der im Detail dargestellten Nut;

Fig. 13

eine Schnittansicht durch das Stopfenelement des Verbindungselements, wobei insbesondere jeweilige Werkzeugangriffe für einen Schlüssel und einen Innensechskantschlüssel angedeutet sind;

Fig. 14

eine Schnittansicht durch das Stopfenelement entlang einer durch die Linie IV-IV in Fig. 13 symbolisierten Schnittebene, welche senkrecht zu einer Mittellängsachse des Stopfenelements verläuft;

Fig. 15a, 15b

eine Draufsicht auf das Krallenelement des Verbindungselements sowie auf eine Schnittansicht durch das Krallenelement entlang einer Schnittlinie Vb-Vb in Fig. 15a durch das Krallenelement;

Fig. 16

eine Schnittansicht durch das Krallenelement analog zu Fig. 15b, wobei außerdem ein elastisches Stützelement in Form eines O-Rings erkennbar ist, mittels welchem ein gegenüber einem ebenen Bereich schräg verlaufender Bereich des Krallenelements elastisch-federnd abgestützt ist;

Fig. 17

eine ausschnittsweise Schnittansicht der Befestigungsanordnung des Verbindungselements in der Öffnung des Anschlussbauteils analog zu Fig. 11, wobei der Kopf des Stopfenelements mit einem Anschluss für eine medienführende Leitung ausgebildet ist;

Fig. 18

eine ausschnittsweise Schnittansicht der Befestigungsanordnung des Verbindungselements in der Öffnung des Anschlussbauteils analog zu Fig. 11, wobei alternativ zu dem Krallenelement ein Fixierungselement in Form des Sicherungsrings zur Fixierung des Stopfenelements in der Öffnung des Anschlussbauteils vorgesehen ist;

Fig. 19a, 19b

eine Draufsicht auf und eine Schnittansicht durch das als Sicherungsring ausgebildete Fixierungselement gemäß Fig. 18;

Fig. 20

eine ausschnittsweise Schnittansicht der Befestigungsanordnung des Verbindungselements in der Öffnung des Anschlussbauteils analog zu Fig. 18, wobei das alternativ zu dem Krallenelement vorgesehene Fixierungselement in Form eines Sicherungsrings zur Fixierung des Stopfenelements in der Öffnung des Anschlussbauteils im Unterschied zur Ausführungsform gemäß Fig. 18 außenseitig eines Dichtrings angeordnet ist; und in

Fig. 21

eine ausschnittsweise Schnittansicht der Befestigungsanordnung des Verbindungselements in der Öffnung des Anschlussbauteils analog zu Fig. 11, wobei das Krallenelement im Unterschied zur Ausführungsform gemäß Fig. 11 außenseitig eines Dichtrings angeordnet ist.

Fig. 22

eine ausschnittsweise Schnittansicht der Befestigungsanordnung des Verbindungselements in der Öffnung des Anschlussbauteils analog zu Fig. 17, wobei in Einsteckrichtung des Verbindungselements in die Öffnung das Fixierungselement in einer Aufnahmenut angeordnet ist, welche hinter einer einen Dichtring aufnehmenden weiteren Aufnahmenut angeordnet ist;

Further details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the drawings. Showing:

Fig. 1

a partial sectional view of a mounting arrangement of an air spring system for a motor vehicle, in which a component is connected to a connection component by means of a connecting element to form a non-destructively releasable latching connection, wherein the connecting element is molded onto the connection component and having a plug member which through an opening of the device is plugged and tightened by means of a fixing element, the opening of the component for producing the latching connection;

Fig. 2

a schematic sectional view of the mounting assembly with the connecting element which is screwed into an opening of the connecting member via a thread and is inserted through the opening of the device and engages with the fixing element, the opening of the device for forming the latching connection;

Fig. 3

a schematic sectional view of the mounting arrangement with the connecting element, which is welded to the connection component and is inserted through the opening of the device, wherein the fixing element engages behind the opening of the component for forming the latching connection on the outside and is accessible for releasing the latching connection for an externally applied tool ;

Fig. 4

a schematic partial section of the mounting arrangement of the releasable latching connection, wherein the plug element is integrally formed with the connection component, penetrates the opening of the device and the circumferentially closed locking ring engages behind the opening of the device at its outer side facing away from the connection component, and a plan view of the connecting element;

Fig. 5

a schematic partial section of the mounting arrangement with the connecting element, which has a latching element which projects through the opening of the component and engages in a latching receptacle in an opening of the connection component for forming the latching connection;

Fig. 6

a schematic partial section of the fastening arrangement according to Fig. 5 wherein on the connecting element fitting a tool is shown, by means of which the latching element is pivotable about an inclined plane of the tool to be moved out of the locking receptacle for releasing the latching connection, wherein the engagement opening of the connecting element for engaging the tool is laterally limited by the latching element;

Fig. 7

a schematic plan view of the connecting element with three each at an angle of 120 degrees relative to each other arranged openings of the connecting element in which the tool can engage to release the locking connection, wherein each of the openings is associated with a respective latching connection forming latching element;

Fig. 8

a schematic partial section of the mounting assembly with the connection between the component and the connection component providing connecting element, which has the plug member, which in turn has a separation point between a first part and a second part of the plug member, wherein the parts each having a tool for separating the plug element can be applied to the separation point, wherein a release of the latching connection is made possible by the separation of the plug element in the two parts;

Fig. 9

a schematic partial section of the mounting arrangement with the connecting element, the second part of the plug member is fixed radially relative to the connecting member via a positive connection and the first part of the plug member has a tool attack, which is accessible from the outside for a tool for separating the first part from the second part;

Fig. 10

a schematic partial section of the mounting assembly with the connecting element, which is integrally formed with the connection member and inserted to form the locking connection in the opening of the device and locked in this opening, wherein the connecting element has a central channel, via which the connection component fluidly connected to the component is;

Fig. 11

a partial sectional view of the mounting arrangement of the connecting element in the opening of the connection component, wherein the connecting element comprises the plug member which can be inserted into the opening of the connection component and which has a receiving groove in which a fixing element in the form of a claw element for fixing the plug element in the opening is, wherein the plug member in the region of the receiving groove for the claw member has a predetermined breaking point, at which the first and the second part of the plug member are separable from each other;

Fig. 12

a fragmentary sectional view and an enlarged detail view of the opening within the connection component, in which the connecting element is inserted and at its boundary wall a circumferential groove for receiving the free end of the collar portion of the claw member of the connecting element is provided, and an enlarged view of the groove shown in detail ;

Fig. 13

a sectional view through the plug element of the connecting element, wherein in particular respective tool attacks are indicated for a key and a hex key;

Fig. 14

a sectional view through the plug element along a line through the IV-IV in Fig. 13 symbolized sectional plane, which runs perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of the plug element;

Fig. 15a, 15b

a plan view of the claw element of the connecting element as well as a sectional view through the claw element along a section line Vb-Vb in Fig. 15a through the claw element;

Fig. 16

a sectional view through the claw element analogous to Fig. 15b , wherein also an elastic support member in the form of an O-ring can be seen, by means of which a relative to a flat region obliquely extending portion of the claw member is elastically-resiliently supported;

Fig. 17

a fragmentary sectional view of the mounting arrangement of the connecting element in the opening of the connection component analogous to Fig. 11 wherein the head of the plug member is formed with a port for a media-carrying conduit;

Fig. 18

a fragmentary sectional view of the mounting arrangement of the connecting element in the opening of the connection component analogous to Fig. 11 in which, as an alternative to the claw element, a fixing element in the form of the securing ring is provided for fixing the plug element in the opening of the connection component;

Fig. 19a, 19b

a plan view and a sectional view through the locking ring designed as a fixing element according to Fig. 18 ;

Fig. 20

a fragmentary sectional view of the mounting arrangement of the connecting element in the opening of the connection component analogous to Fig. 18 , Wherein the alternative provided for the claw element fixing element in the form of a securing ring for fixing the plug member in the opening of the connection component in contrast to the embodiment according to FIG Fig. 18 is arranged outside of a sealing ring; and in

Fig. 21

a fragmentary sectional view of the mounting arrangement of the connecting element in the opening of the connection component analogous to FIG. 11 , wherein the claw element in contrast to the embodiment according to Fig. 11 is arranged outside of a sealing ring.

Fig. 22

a fragmentary sectional view of the mounting arrangement of the connecting element in the opening of the connection component analogous to Fig. 17 , wherein in the insertion direction of the connecting element into the opening, the fixing element is arranged in a receiving groove, which is arranged behind a sealing ring receiving another receiving groove;

All of the features of the different embodiments described below can be combined with each other as desired.

In Fig. 1 is a fragmentary sectional view of an air spring system for a motor vehicle. The air spring system comprises a component 11 which is fastened to a connection component 14. In the present case, the component 11 is a valve device, and the connection component 14 in the present case is an air spring. The component 11 is fixed to the connection component 14 by means of a connecting element 10 to form a releasable latching connection 13.

In Fig. 1 The connecting element 10 comprises a cylindrical plug element 28 and a fixing element 68, which is in particular a claw element or a securing ring. The plug element 28 is injection-molded onto the connection component 14 and protrudes through an opening 15 of the component 11 between the connection component 14 and the component 11 when the latching connection 13 is present. The securing ring engages behind the opening 15 of the component 11 on a side of the opening 15 facing away from the connection component 14. The securing ring can, in particular, have an interruption on the circumference, at which the securing ring can be expanded to release the latching connection. In particular, the circlip may have at least two holes at respective ends of the open circlip in which a tool for gripping the ends and for bending the circlip apart may engage.

In Fig. 2 is shown in a sectional view of the mounting arrangement, in which the fixing element 68, in particular the retaining ring, the opening 15 of the component 11 on the side facing away from the connection member 14 for engaging the latching connection 13 engages behind. The plug element 28 is further screwed into an opening 12 of the connection component 14. For this purpose, the plug element 28 and the opening 12 of the connection component 14 at least partially mutually corresponding thread 17.

In Fig. 3 the mounting arrangement is shown schematically and in section, wherein the opening 15 of the component 11 is engaged behind on the side facing away from the connection component 14 by the fixing element 68, in particular the securing ring for forming the locking connection. The plug element 28 is integrally connected to the connection component 14, in particular welded to the connection component 14. In order to enable a precise positioning of the plug element 28 in the opening 15 of the component 11, the plug element 28 may have at least two different diameters in its cross section. By this is to be understood that one in the Fig. 3 left half of the plug member 28 has a different diameter than that in the Fig. 3 In particular, the plug element may be non-uniform in its cross-section over its circumference and thus irregular, so that the plug member 28 is exactly in a position or orientation through the opening 15 of the device 11 can be pushed through. This positioning allows a fluid guide of the plug member 28 to be brought into registry with a fluid guide of the component 11 to exchange a fluid via the fluid guides between the member 11 and the plug member 28. The non-uniform configuration of the plug element 28 makes it possible to prevent an assembly mix-up in which the respective fluid guides are arranged without covering.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic partial section of the fastening arrangement and a plan view of the connecting element 10. In this fastening arrangement, the plug element 28 of the connecting element 10 is formed integrally with the connection component 14. Furthermore, the plug element 28 is inserted through the opening 15 of the component 11. To form the locking connection 13 engages behind the securing ring, the opening 15 of the component 11 on a side facing away from the connection member 14 of the opening 15. Der in Fig. 4 shown in plan view retaining ring is closed circumferentially. In order to release the locking connection 13 of the locking ring can be bent by means of the tool. This may be the tool is a wrench. In order to enable the elastic securing ring to expand, the plug element 28, as can be recognized both in partial section and in plan view, has a notch 29 at least in the region of the securing ring. This notch 29 extends to a receiving groove 50 of the plug member 28, in which the locking ring is arranged in existing latching connection 13. About the notch 29, the tool can engage from the outside into the receiving groove 50 to expand the locking ring and push out of the receiving groove 50. After removal of the securing ring, the latching connection 13 is released and the plug element 28 can be pulled out of the connection element 14 from the opening 15 of the component 11 for dismantling the component 11.

In the Fig. 1 to 4 are each non-destructively releasable latching connections 13 shown in which by engaging the tool in the fixing element 68, the fixing element 68 is removable and by removing the fixing element 68, the latching connection 15 is releasable. Alternatively to the in the Fig. 1 to 4 As shown, the plug member 28 may be molded or welded to the component 11 or screwed into this and inserted through the opening 12 of the connection member 14, wherein the fixing member 68 engages behind the opening 12 of the connection member 14 on the side facing away from the component 11 of the connection member 14 , The connecting element 11 can thus be formed integrally with the connection component 14 or integrally with the component 11.

Alternatively, the connecting element 10, as in the FIGS. 5 and 6 is shown to be formed both separately from the component 11 and from the connection component 14. In Fig. 5 is a partial section of the mounting arrangement shown. The connecting element 10 in this case has a circular disc-shaped base body, from which at least one, in particular three locking feet 19 as latching elements, and thus in particular as fixing elements protrude. The respective locking feet 19 penetrate the opening 15 of the device 11 and engage in respective corresponding receiving recesses 18 of the connection component 14 a. In particular, the locking feet 19 engage in the corresponding receiving recesses 18 of the connecting member 14. The connecting member 10 has respective the locking feet 19 associated openings 21 in the body, in which a tool 22 can engage to move the locking feet 19 out of the receiving recesses 18.

In Fig. 6 is a schematic partial section of the mounting arrangement according to Fig. 5 represented, wherein in the openings 21 of the connecting element 10, the tool 22 engages. The tool 22 has with the openings 21 of the connecting element 10 corresponding projection elements 23, which engage in the openings 21 for releasing the latching connection 13. By means of the projection element 23, the latching feet 19 can be pushed out of the receiving recesses 18, in particular by the latching feet 19 being bent over and / or pivoted. In order to allow the bending or pivoting of the locking feet 19, the locking feet 19 are formed elastically. By moving out of the locking feet 19 from the receiving recesses 18, the locking connection 13 is released and the connecting element 10 can be removed from the opening 15 of the device 11.

For mounting the component 11 on the connection component 14, the component 11 is placed on the connection component 14. The connecting element 11 is inserted together with the tool 22 in the openings 15 of the component 11 and 12 of the connection component 14, whereby at least the locking foot 19, which can also be referred to as a latching nose, is inserted into the opening 12 of the connection component 14. By means of the tool 22, the locking feet 19 are pressed in the direction of the central axis of the connecting element 10. If the tool 22 is removed from the openings 21 of the connecting element 10, the locking feet 19 hook into the receiving recesses 18 of the connection component 14, which are arranged in the opening 12 of the connection component 14.

To dismantle the component 11 from the connection component 14, the tool 22, in particular the projection elements 23, is pressed into the openings 21 of the connecting element 10, as a result of which the latching feet 19 are pushed out of the Receiving recesses 18 of the connection member 14 are pressed. Subsequently, the connecting element 10 is removed in its state connected to the tool 22 from the openings 12, 15 of the connection component 15 and of the component 11. Subsequently, the component 11 can be separated from the connection component 14.

In Fig. 7 the connecting element 10 is shown in a schematic plan view, wherein it can be seen that the openings 21 associated with the locking feet 19 are each arranged at an angle of 120 degrees relative to each other.

In Fig. 8 is shown in a schematic partial section of the mounting arrangement, wherein the component 11 is connected to the connection component 14 via the separately formed to the connection member 14 and the device 11 connecting element 10. The plug element 28 is inserted through the opening 15 of the component 11 and inserted into the opening 12 of the connection component 14. On the plug member 28, the fixing element 68, in particular the securing ring is arranged, which engages in the opening 12 of the connection component 14 to form the latching connection 13 in the receiving recess 18. The plug element 28 has a separation point 66, on which the plug element 28 can be divided to release the latching connection 13 into a first part 58 and a second part 60. The separation point 66 is arranged in particular in a region of the receiving recess 18. For separating the first part 58 from the second part 60, the first part 58 has a first tool attack 34 and the second part 60 has a second tool attack 42. In the present case, the first tool engagement 34 corresponds to an open-end wrench 36 and the second tool engagement 42 corresponds to an Allen key 44. The first part 58 and the second part 60 are rotated by means of the tools about a center axis of the plug element 28 in opposite directions of rotation about the parts 58, 60 under torsion at the separation point 66 to separate.

In Fig. 9 the fastening arrangement is shown in a further schematic partial section, wherein the plug member 28 instead of the second tool engagement 42 has a fixing 25, by means of which the second part 60 of the plug member 28 rotationally fixed to the connection member 14 can be fixed. In the determination 25, by means of which the second part 60 can be radially fixed, it may be a positive connection and / or a frictional connection between the second part 60 and the connection component 14. In order to separate the plug member 28 under torsion at the separation point 66, a tool, in particular the open-end wrench 36 is applied to the first tool attack 34 to rotate the first part 58 of the plug member 28 relative to the second part 60. As frictional fixing, the second part 60 may be glued in the opening 12 of the connection component 14 by means of an adhesive 27. Alternatively or additionally, as the determination in particular for the positive fixing of the second part 60 have a peripheral outer contour, which corresponds to a peripheral inner contour of the opening 12 of the connection component 14, so when passing the locking connection 13, the peripheral outer contour of the second part 60 on the peripheral inner contour the opening 12 is present. For example, both the outer contour and the inner contour are each polygonal, in particular quadrangular, wherein the inner contour and the outer contour engage each other such that a rotational movement of the second part 60 about the central axis of the plug member 28 is prevented relative to the opening 12 of the connection member 14.

In addition to a function of attaching the component 11 to the terminal member 14, the connector 10 may be as shown in FIG Fig. 10 is shown to provide a fluidic connection via a central channel between the connection component 14 and the component 11. For this purpose, the connection component 14 may be formed integrally with the connection element 10, as in FIG Fig. 10 is shown or alternatively, the component 11 may be integrally formed with the connecting element 10 or alternatively, the connecting element 10 may be formed both separately from the component 11 and separately from the connection member 14. To form the latching connection 13, the fixing element 68, in particular the securing ring, engages in a latching receptacle of the opening 15 of the component 11, as in FIG Fig. 10 is shown, a. To release the latching connection 13, the first part 58 is rotated relative to the second part 60 about the central axis of the plug member 28 of the connecting element 10 to separate the first part 58 and the second part 60 by torsion at the separation point 66 from each other. In order to allow rotation of the first part 58 relative to the second part 60 about the central axis of the plug member 28 in opposite directions, the second part 60 may comprise the second tool engagement 42 or be set in the opening 15 of the device 11. In the present case, the second part 60 is glued over the adhesive 27 in the opening 15 of the component 11 and thus fixed radially non-positively.

As already described, the central channel of the connecting element 10 can provide the fluidic connection of the connecting component 14 to the component 11. Alternatively or additionally, a measuring connection can be provided from the component 11 designed as a valve and / or sensor unit to the connection component 14 designed as an air spring via the central channel. A sensor device of the valve and / or sensor unit can in particular determine a distance between the component 11 and a base of the air spring facing away from the component 11 in order to determine a respective air filling of the air spring and thus a state of the air spring such as "filled", "half filled or unfilled. For this purpose, the sensor device can pass a measuring beam, such as an ultrasound beam or a laser beam, through the center channel of the connecting element 10 in order to determine the distance. The sensor device comprises in particular a pressure sensor and / or a height sensor.

In Fig. 11 is a sectional view along a central longitudinal axis M, a mounting arrangement of the connecting element 10 in the opening 12 of the connection member 14 is shown. The connecting element 10 serves as an alternative or in addition to the attachment of the component 11 to the connection component 14, for example in a manner described in more detail below for attaching a line, in particular a media-carrying line such as a pneumatic or hydraulic line to the connection component 14, for example in the form of air - or hydraulic spring and / or damper element. Of course, the present connection arrangement is also suitable for mounting other media leading or non-media leading lines to corresponding connection components.

In synopsis with Fig. 12 which shows the connection component 14 with the present circular-cylindrical opening 12 in a separate, fragmentary sectional view, it can be seen that the opening 12 is followed by a channel 16 which is circular in cross-section, via which a medium, for example compressed air or oil, via the connecting element 12 and a line connected thereto passes through the connection member 14, for example, in the described spring and / or damper element. Of course, the connection component 14 itself can accommodate the medium, for example when the connection component 14 is designed as an air spring.

Besides, it is off Fig. 12 Furthermore, the receiving recess 18 in the form of a in the opening 12 on the outer peripheral side bounding wall circumferentially introduced groove is formed. The concrete cross-sectional configuration of this introduced into the wall 20 groove 18 is in an enlarged detail in Fig. 12 recognizable. In the present embodiment, the groove 18 - as is apparent from the detail in Fig. 12 can be seen - an approximately triangular cross-section with an upper collar 24 and a lateral support portion 26 on which in a manner to be described in more detail below, a free end 78 ( Fig. 15a to 16 ) of a collar portion of a claw member, which serves as a fixing element in the present case, can be supported behind the other.

Out Fig. 13 First, the plug member 28 of the connecting element 10 is analogous to Fig. 11 shown in a schematic sectional view. It can be seen that the plug element 28 comprises a head 30 and a shaft 32. The head 30 has the outer peripheral side of the tool engagement 34 in the form of an external hex, so that the head 30 can be attacked, for example by means of the schematically indicated fork wrench 36. By a collar 38 of the head 30 also a depth of insertion of the plug member 28 and the connecting element 10 is determined in total in the opening 12 of the connection member 14.

In the present case, the shank 32 has a circular cross section which is adapted at least substantially to the likewise circular cross section of the opening 12. Optionally, a corresponding clearance of the opening 12 is provided here. Of course, the opening 12 and the shaft 32 - matched accordingly - also have a different cross section, for example, a rectangular or polygonal.

Furthermore, it is off Fig. 13 It can be seen that the plug element 28 has a passage opening 40 through which the corresponding medium, for example compressed air or oil, passes through the connecting element 10 or the plug element 28. At its lower end facing away from the head 30, the plug element 28 comprises the tool engagement 42 arranged in the passage opening 40 in the form of a hexagon socket, so that by means of the corresponding, in Fig. 13 indicated Allen key 44, which is inserted from above through the passage opening 40, a corresponding attack can take place.

At a distance below the head 30, the shaft 32 has a first receiving groove 46 for an O-ring 48 (FIG. Fig. 11 ) on. The receiving groove 46 and the shaft 32 are in their radial dimension slightly smaller than the diameter of the sealing ring 48, so that a reliable sealing of the connecting element 10 and the plug member 28 to the boundary wall 20 of the opening 12 within the connection member 14 results through the sealing ring 48 ,

Below the receiving groove 46, a further receiving groove 50 is provided within the shaft 32, which has a flat receiving or receiving surface 52 downwards. In the region of this receptacle 52, the receiving groove 50 extends further in a region 54 inwards than in a receiving region 56 above this region 54 or above the receptacle 52.

The area 54 is matched to the thickness of the claw element 68. The concrete configuration of this receiving groove 50 thus results in particular due to the design of a hereinafter with reference to the Figs. 15a and 15b as well as on Fig. 16 explained claw member 68th

Fig. 14 shows in a cross-sectional view along one of the line IV-IV in Fig. 13 illustrated, perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis M of the plug member 28 extending cutting plane, the second part 60 of the plug member 28, which is divided in a manner to be described in more detail from the first part 58 of the plug member 28. Based on Fig. 14 In this case, it can be seen again in particular that in the region of the second part 60 of the plug element 28, the hexagon socket is used as the hexagon socket trained tool engagement 42 is disposed within the through hole 40. Furthermore, a web 62 which surrounds the passage opening 40 can be seen, which is formed by the material of the plug element 28 on the inside of the region 54 of the receiving groove 50. Instead of this outer peripheral side around the passage opening 40 circumferential web 62, however, it would also be conceivable to provide only a few partial legs 64, of which in Fig. 14 dashed and schematically exemplified four partial webs 64 are indicated. By the web 62 and the partial webs 54 thus the first part 58 is divided by the second part 60 of the plug member 28. Here, the web 62 or the partial webs 64 forms the separation point 66 in the form of a predetermined breaking point, at which the two parts 58, 60 of the plug element 28 can be separated if necessary. This separation takes place by oppositely rotating the two parts 58, 60 of the plug element 28 by means of the two tools, the open-end wrench 36 and the hexagon socket wrench 44. In this case, at the predetermined breaking point 66, that is to say the at least one web 62 or the plurality of part webs 64, caused a destruction and thus the two parts 58, 60 are separated from each other.

In the Figs. 15a and 15b Further, a claw member 68 of the connecting member 10 for fixing the plug member 28 in the opening 12 in a schematic plan view and in a sectional view taken along the line Vb-Vb in Fig. 15a symbolized, along the central longitudinal axis M extending cutting plane. In particular, it can be seen here that the claw element 68 is substantially cup-shaped, with a flat region formed here as a disk 70 and a collar region 72 extending radially outside and extending obliquely to the region 70. The claw element 68 is thus approximately in the form of a Crown cork designed and has in the present case a central opening 74, which is bounded on the outer peripheral side by the disc 70. This opening 74 is adapted in cross-section or diameter to the shape and arrangement of the web 62 or the partial webs 74, so that the claw element 68 is fixed in its radial position relative to the plug element 28.

The claw member 68 is also provided with a slot 76 so that both the disc-shaped portion 70 and the collar portion 72 are divided accordingly. About this slot 76, the claw member 68 is on the receiving groove 46 of Plug element pushed, as is made Fig. 11 is recognizable. In the fully pushed-on position, the disk-shaped region 70 bears against the receiving surface 52 of the receiving groove 50. The collar portion 72 is in this case upwards, ie in the direction of the outside of the connection component 14 out, from. As further from the Figs. 15a and 15b can be seen, the claw member 68 and its collar portion 70 has a circumferential free end 78 and an edge region on which a plurality of teeth or prongs 80 are provided in the present case. These tines 80 are formed so that they can engage in the receiving recess or groove 18 within the boundary wall 20 of the opening 12. In other words, the position of the groove 18 is disposed within the boundary wall of the opening 12 so that it is in engagement with the end 78 and the tines 80 when the fully assembled connector 10, in which the head 30 is seated on the top of the connection member 14 of the claw element 68. The triangular geometry of the receiving depression or groove 18 is matched to the shape or orientation of the end 78 of the collar region 72 of the claw element 68. At this point, it should be mentioned, however, that the provided within the boundary wall 20 receiving recess 18 or groove is not imperatively required. In particular, variants are also conceivable in which a secure hold or secure positioning of the connecting element 10 within the opening 12 by means of the claw element 68 can also be realized without such a receiving recess or groove 18, as described below in connection with FIG Fig. 22 will be described. In this case, it is conceivable, for example, that the end 78 or the respective tines 80 of the claw element 68 get caught within the boundary wall 20 of the opening 12 of the connection component 14 or dig into it. For this purpose, the tines 80 may optionally be designed sharp-edged.

Thus, it can be seen that by the support of the claw member 68 on the receiving surface 52 of the receiving groove 50 of the plug member 28 and radially on the web 72 and the partial webs 74 on the one hand and by the support of the claw member 68 on the groove 18 in the boundary wall 20 of the opening 12th On the other hand, a secure fixation of the connecting element 10 is achieved on the connection component 14.

In order to achieve a particularly favorable support of the end 78 of the collar portion 72 of the claw member 68 on the boundary wall 20 of the opening 12, the collar portion 72 is - as it turns out Fig. 16 in a schematic sectional view of the claw member 68 analogous to Fig. 15b can be seen - supported by an elastic support member 82 - for example in the form of an O-ring of an inelastic material to the outside. It is conceivable, for example, that the support element 82 is vulcanized onto the claw element 68 or the like is fixed. In this context, it is also conceivable that the collar portion 72 and the disc 70 are connected to each other separately via a hinge-like element, such as a film hinge or the like. The claw element 68 or its individual parts can in particular be made of a metal or a plastic.

The plug element 28 is preferably made of a plastic, wherein a metal would be conceivable.

For mounting the connecting element 10 on the connection component 14, the plug element 28 is accordingly supplemented by the claw element 68. Here, the disc 70 is supported on the receptacle 52 of the receiving groove 50 of the plug member 28 and the collar portion 72 extends in the receiving portion 56 of the receiving groove 50, wherein the end 78 and the tines 80 outwardly slightly above the diameter or radius of the shaft 32nd extend the plug member 28 to the outside. As mentioned, the opening 74 of the claw element 68 is preferably at least substantially adapted to the shape or the diameter of the web 62 or the partial webs 64. Thus, when the claw element 68 is placed on the plug element 28, a secure positioning of the claw element 28 on the web 62 or on the part webs 64 and consequently on the plug element 28 results overall. In the case shown here, the shaft 32 of the plug element 28 and the opening 12 in the connection component 14 are cylindrical. However, it is also particularly favorable when the shaft 32 of the plug element 28 and the opening 12 in the connection component 14-coordinated with each other-each have a cone and consequently slightly frustoconical-with the smaller cross section in the direction of the connection component 14 pointing - trained. This results in a particularly favorable fit of the shaft 32 of the plug element 28 in the opening 12 of the connection component 14.

In the further course of the assembly process, the connecting element 10 - comprising the plug element 28 and the claw element 68 - can then be inserted into the opening 12 until the head 30 rests on the outside of the connection component 14. If a receiving recess or groove 18 is provided in the boundary wall 20 of the opening 12, it comes with the placement of the head 30 on the connection member 14 also for locking the prongs 80 with the receiving recess or groove 18. The connecting element 10 is thus particularly safe and reliable way secured against an excerpt.

Should there be a disassembly of the connecting element 10 as a result of wear or other reasons, so destruction or subdivision of the plug member 28 in the two parts 58 and 60 can be achieved in the manner described above by means of the tools 36 and 44 the two parts 58, 60 are rotated against each other. As a result, there is a rupture of the plug element 28 in the region of the predetermined breaking point 60, whereupon the first part 58 can be removed from the opening 12. In addition, the claw element 68 can then be removed. Here, the claw element 68, for example, have a tool attack 84, which in Fig. 15a is shown. After removal of the claw element 68, the second part 60 of the plug element 28 can then be removed without problems, so that the removal of the connecting element 10 can be realized in a simple manner.

At this point it should be mentioned that the separation point 66 of the two parts 58, 60 of the plug element 28 can not be realized only by a predetermined breaking point. For example, a two-part design of the two parts 58, 60 would also be conceivable, which are connected to one another, for example, by a joining connection, in particular by an adhesive bond. If necessary, a separation or destruction of the plug element 28 could then be made in the region of this joint connection. It would also be conceivable to connect the two parts 58, 60 via a screw connection with each other, wherein by the Tool approach this screw could act as a separation point 66, at which the two parts 58, 60 could be separated from each other.

Fig. 17 shows a fragmentary sectional view of the mounting arrangement of the connecting element 10 in the opening 12 of the connection member 14 analogous to Fig. 11 wherein the head 30 of the plug member 28 includes a port 86 for a media carrying conduit, for example, in the form of a hose or the like. The connection 86 is essentially formed by a receiving socket 88, which is surrounded by a clamping sleeve 90 on the outer peripheral side, by means of which the media-carrying line is held on the receiving socket 88. In addition, an inner and an outer sealing ring 92, 94 are provided as parts of the terminal 86. Instead of the construction shown here, the respective, media-carrying line can also be connected to the connecting element 10 in a different manner.

In Fig. 18 is in a fragmentary sectional view of the mounting arrangement of the connecting element 10 in the opening 12 of the connection member 14 analogous to Fig. 11 shown, wherein alternatively to the claw element, a fixing element 68 is provided in the form of a securing ring for fixing the plug member 28 in the opening 12 of the connection member 14. As in synopsis with the Fig. 19a, 19b can be seen, which is a plan view and a sectional view of the locking ring formed as a fixing element according to Fig. 18 show this according to Fig. 19b a substantially circular cross section. At this circular cross-section, the radius of the receiving recess 18 is adapted in the form of an arcuate in cross-section groove.

This groove 18 is analogous to Nur only Fig. 11 Inner side of the boundary wall 20 of the opening 12. Also, the receiving groove 50 in the plug member 28 is arc-shaped in cross section. So that the securing ring 68 can be plugged onto the plug element 28 in the region of the receiving groove 50, this has a slot 76 analogous to the claw element. In particular from Fig. 18 It can thus be seen that, in the present case, the fixing of the connecting element 10 within the opening 12 of the connection component 14 takes place by means of the securing ring 68.

Between the receiving groove 50 and the through hole 40 is - analogous to the first embodiment of the plug element 28 - again either an annular peripheral web 62 or a plurality of interrupted, for example, radially arranged around the central axis M sub-webs 54, which in turn a separation point 66 in Form a predetermined breaking point, where the plug member 28 can be divided into the first part 58 and the second part 60.

Here, the web 62 or the partial webs 64 forms a separation point 66 in the form of a predetermined breaking point, at which the two parts 58, 60 of the plug element 28 can be separated if necessary. This separation is in turn carried out by opposite rotation of the two parts 58, 60 of the plug member 28 by means of the two tools, the wrench 36 and the Allen key 44. This can also in the present case at the predetermined breaking point 66, so the at least one web 62 or the plurality of partial webs 64, a destruction brought about and thus the two parts 58, 60 separated from each other. The removal of the individual parts 58, 60 and the securing ring 68 then takes place in the manner already described in connection with the first embodiment.

The locking ring 68 may - analogous to the claw element 68 - have respective slot-near openings as tool attacks, which simplify the attachment of the locking ring 68 on the plug member 28, as well as the removal after the destruction / separation of the plug member 28 from the opening 12th

In Fig. 20 is in a fragmentary sectional view of the mounting arrangement of the connecting element 10 in the opening of the connection component analogous to Fig. 18 shown. In contrast to the embodiment according to Fig. 18 However, in the present case, the securing ring 68 is for fixing the plug element 34 or the connection element 10 in the opening 12 of the connection component 14 is arranged on the outside of the sealing ring 48. Thus, if the connecting element 10 is inserted into the opening 12, so first the sealing ring 48 and only then the locking ring 68 is inserted. This has the advantage of easier assembly / disassembly of the connecting element 10 with a smaller insertion depth of the locking ring 68th

Fig. 21 finally shows a fragmentary sectional view of the mounting arrangement of the connecting element 10 in the opening 12 of the connection member 14 analogous to Fig. 11 , wherein also here the claw element 68 in contrast to the embodiment according to Fig. 11 and analogous to the embodiment according to Fig. 20 outside of the seal 48 is arranged.

Fig. 22 shows a fragmentary sectional view of the mounting arrangement of the connecting element 10 in the opening 12 of the connection member 14 analogous to Fig. 17 wherein the head 30 of the plug member 28 includes a port 86 for a media carrying conduit, for example, in the form of a hose or the like. The connection 86 is essentially formed by the receiving socket 88, which is surrounded by the clamping sleeve 90 on the outer peripheral side, by means of which the media-carrying line is held on the receiving socket 88. In addition, the inner and outer sealing rings 92, 94 are provided as parts of the terminal 86. Instead of the construction shown here, the respective, media-carrying line can also be connected to the connecting element 10 in a different manner. In the insertion direction of the plug element 28 into the opening 12, the receiving groove 46 in front of the receiving recess 18, in which the fixing element 68 is received, arranged. Here, the receiving recess 18 is formed analogously to the receiving groove 46, so that the fixing element 68 is held by friction against the boundary wall 20. When inserting the plug element 28 into the opening, the end 78 or the tines 80 of the claw element 68 can scrape grooves in the boundary wall 20. The arrangement of the sealing ring 48 receiving receiving groove 46 serves to avoid damage to the sealing ring 48 during insertion of the plug member 28, since contact between the grooves of the claw member 68 optionally caused grooves in the boundary wall 20 is avoided with the sealing ring 48.

In the air spring system described, the component 11 designed as a valve device can simply be plugged onto the connection component 15 designed as an air spring. This is a particularly inexpensive connection method for the component 11 to the connection component 14. To build the air suspension system, at least one component 11 can be attached via the releasable latching connection 13 particularly easy to the connection component 14. Other components such as hoses and cables and other connection components 14 and other components 11 can be particularly easily connected via other releasable locking connections 13 to the air suspension system together. In the case of a defective air spring, only the defective air spring can be exchanged on the air spring system, and in the case of a defective valve sensor unit as component 11, only the defective valve sensor unit can be removed from the air spring system and replaced.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

connecting element

11

module

12

opening

13

locking connection

14

connection component

15

opening

16

channel

17

thread

18

receiving recess

19

Snap-on foot

20

boundary wall

21

opening

22

Tool

23

Projection member

24

collar

25

establishing

26

support area

27

adhesive

28

plug member

29

score

30

head

32

shaft

34

tool application

36

end wrench

38

collar

40

Through opening

42

tool application

44

Allen key

46

receiving groove

48

seal

50

receiving groove

52

admission

54

Area

56

reception area

58

parts

60

parts

62

web

64

partial web

66

separation point

68

Fixation element (claw element, retaining ring)

70

Area

72

collar region

74

opening

76

slot

78

The End

80

prong

82

support element

84

tool application

86

connection

88

receiving socket

90

collet

92

seal

94

seal

Claims (13)

Air suspension system for a motor vehicle, having at least one component (11) which is fixed to a connection component (14) by means of a connecting element (10) to form a plug connection,
characterized in that
the connector is a releasable latching connection (13). Air suspension system according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the connecting element (10) is formed integrally with the component (11). Air suspension system according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the connecting element (10) is formed separately from the component (11). Air suspension system according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the component (11) is designed as a line or valve and / or sensor unit. Air suspension system according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the locking connection (13) is non-destructive solvable. Air suspension system according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the connecting element (10) is designed to be fastened in an opening (12, 74) of the connection component (14) and has a plug element (28) which can be inserted into the opening (12, 74) and which has a receiving groove (46, 50 ), in which a fixing element (68) for fixing the plug element (28) in the opening (12, 74) is arranged, wherein the plug element (28) in the region (54, 70) of the receiving groove (46, 50) for the Fixing element (68) has a separation point (66) on which a first and a second part (58, 60) of the plug element (28) are separable from each other. Air suspension system according to claim 6,
characterized in that
the separation point (66) is designed as a predetermined breaking point between the two parts (58, 60) of the plug element (28). Air suspension system according to claim 6 or 7,
characterized in that
a second of the parts (60) of the plug element (28) has a fixing (25) by means of which the second part (60) can be radially fixed non-positively and / or positively relative to the component (11) and / or the connection component (14), and the first part (58) has a tool engagement (34) on which a tool (36) for separating the two parts (58, 60) of the plug element (28) can be attached. Air suspension system according to claim 8,
characterized in that
the attachment (25) comprises an adhesive (27) by means of which the attachment (25) having the second part (60) with the component (11) and / or the connection component (14) is glued. Air suspension system according to claim 8,
characterized in that
the second part (60) has a peripheral outer contour as the fixing (25), which corresponds to a circumferential inner contour of a recess of the component (11) and / or of the connection component (14). Air suspension system according to claim 6 or 7,
characterized in that
on both parts (58, 60) of the plug element (28) a respective tool engagement (42, 84) is provided, to which respective tools for separating the two parts (58, 60) of the plug element (28) can be attached. Air suspension system according to one of claims 8 to 11,
characterized in that
the plug element (28) has a head (30) projecting out of the opening (12, 74), on which the tool engagement (42, 84) of the first part (58) of the plug element (28) is provided. Air suspension system according to claim 11 or 12,
characterized in that
the plug element (28) has a passage opening, on which the tool engagement (42, 84) of the second part (60) of the plug element (28) is provided.

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